Releasable medical drapes

ABSTRACT

A releasable medical drape, and systems and methods having the same, includes at least a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a soft-gel layer having a plurality of apertures. The soft-gel layer is configured to be disposed adjacent to a tissue site. A portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extends through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer to contact the tissue site. The soft-gel layer forms a good seal with the tissue site and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extending through the plurality of apertures forms a firm—but releasable—coupling with the tissue site.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/576,774 filed Dec. 16, 2011, entitled RELEASABLE MEDICAL DRAPES, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to dressings for adhering to a patient, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to releasable medical drapes, systems, and methods.

2. Description of Related Art

Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing reduced pressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and accelerates the growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of this phenomenon are numerous, but application of reduced pressure has been particularly successful in treating wounds. This treatment (frequently referred to in the medical community as “negative pressure wound therapy,” “reduced pressure therapy,” or “vacuum therapy”) provides a number of benefits, which may include faster healing and increased formulation of granulation tissue.

In applying reduced-pressure therapy, typically a foam pad or other manifold is placed proximate to the wound and covered with a drape to form a sealed space, and reduced pressure is applied to the sealed space. If the drape leaks, additional energy may be required to overcome the leak and maintain a therapeutic level of reduced pressure.

SUMMARY

According to an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a releasable medical drape for providing a seal over a tissue site on a patient includes a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The first side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer. The releasable medical drape also includes a soft-gel layer formed with a plurality of apertures and having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The first side of the soft-gel layer is coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is configured to extend at least partially through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer when hand pressure is applied to the first side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a system for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure includes a manifold disposed proximate to the tissue site for distributing reduced pressure, a releasable medical drape disposed over the manifold and a portion of intact skin to form a sealed space that contains the manifold, and a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the sealed space. The releasable medical drape includes a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The first side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer. The releasable medical drape also includes a soft-gel layer formed with a plurality of apertures and having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The first side of the soft-gel layer is coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is configured to extend at least partially through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer when hand pressure is applied to the first side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a method of treating a tissue site on a patient includes: disposing a manifold proximate to the tissue for distributing reduced pressure and covering the manifold and a portion of intact skin with a releasable medical drape. The releasable medical drape includes a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The first side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer. The releasable medical drape also includes a soft-gel layer formed with a plurality of apertures and having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The first side of the soft-gel layer is coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is configured to extend at least partially through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer when hand pressure is applied to the first side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer. The method further includes rubbing the first side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer by hand to cause at least a portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to extend into the plurality of apertures and into contact with the intact skin. The method also delivers reduced pressure to the manifold.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a method of manufacturing a releasable medical drape includes providing a soft-gel layer having a first side and a second side, forming a plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer, and providing a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer having a first side and a second side. The method further includes providing a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first side and a second side and coupling the first side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to the second side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor permeable layer. The method also includes coupling the second side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to the first side of the soft-gel layer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is positioned to extend through the plurality of apertures.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a releasable medical drape for forming a sealed space adjacent a tissue site on a patient includes a polyurethane outer layer having a thickness between about 15 microns and about 50 microns; a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to the polyurethane out layer; and a silicone gel layer having thickness between about 1200 and about 4100 microns formed with a plurality of apertures. A portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extends through the plurality of apertures to contact the tissue site when the polyurethane outer layer is rubbed by hand.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a releasable medical drape for providing a seal over a tissue site on a patient includes a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side, and a first mesh layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The first side of the first mesh layer is coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer. At least the second, patient-facing side of the first mesh layer is substantially coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The releasable medical drape further includes a second mesh layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The first side of the second mesh layer is coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the first mesh layer. At least the second, patient-facing side of the second mesh layer is substantially coated with a soft-gel. The pressure-sensitive adhesive of the first mesh layer is configured to extend at least partially through void portions of the second mesh layer when hand pressure is applied to the first side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a releasable medical drape for providing a seal adjacent a tissue site on a patient includes a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer having a first side and a second, patient-facing side, and a first plurality of strands substantially coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The plurality of strands are coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer. The releasable medical drape also includes a second plurality of strands substantially coated with a soft-gel. The second plurality of strands is coupled at least in part to liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive of the first plurality of strands is configured to extend at least partially beyond the second plurality of strands to contact the patient when hand pressure is applied to the first side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer.

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodiments will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view (with a portion shown in elevation) of an illustrative embodiment of a system for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a releasable medical drape;

FIG. 3 is a detail in cross section of a portion of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another illustrative embodiment of a releasable medical drape shown adjacent to a tissue site;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another illustrative embodiment of a releasable medical drape;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another illustrative embodiment of a releasable medical drape;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a releasable medical drape;

FIG. 8 is a plan view (from the second, patient-facing side) of the releasable medical drape of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a releasable medical drape; and

FIG. 10 is a plan view (from the second, patient-facing side) of the releasable medical drape of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined only by the appended claims.

Referring now to the figures and primarily to FIGS. 1-3, a system 100 for treating a tissue site 102 on a patient 104 with reduced pressure is presented. The system 100 includes a releasable medical drape 106 having a first side 108 and a second, patient-facing side 110. The releasable medical drape 106 provides a seal to the tissue site 102. The seal formed has substantially no leaks. The releasable medical drape 106 allows vapor to egress the releasable medical drape 106, maintains an adequately strong mechanical connection to the intact skin 112, is easy to apply, is easy to remove, and causes minimal pain to the patient during removal. The releasable medical drape 106 is described in more detail below.

The tissue site 102 may be the bodily tissue of any human, animal, or other organism, including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or any other tissue. Treatment of the tissue site 102 may include removal of fluids, for example, exudate or ascites. As used throughout this document, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-3, the tissue site 102 is a wound on the patient 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the wound extends through epidermis 116, through dermis 118, and into subcutaneous tissue 120.

A manifold 122 is disposed proximate to the tissue site 102. The manifold 122 is a substance or structure that is provided to assist in applying reduced pressure to, delivering fluids to, or removing fluids from the tissue site 102. The manifold 122 includes a plurality of flow channels or pathways that can distribute fluids provided to and removed from the tissue site 102. In one illustrative embodiment, the flow channels or pathways are interconnected to improve distribution of fluids provided to or removed from the tissue site 102. The manifold 122 may comprise one or more of the following: a biocompatible material that is capable of being placed in contact with the tissue site 102 and distributing reduced pressure to the tissue site 102; devices that have structural elements arranged to form flow channels, such as, for example, cellular foam, open-cell foam, porous tissue collections, liquids, gels, and foams that include, or cure to include, flow channels; porous material, such as foam, gauze, felted mat, or any other material suited to a particular biological application; or porous foam that includes a plurality of interconnected cells or pores that act as flow channels, e.g., a polyurethane, open-cell, reticulated foam such as GranuFoam® material manufactured by Kinetic Concepts, Incorporated of San Antonio, Tex.; a bioresorbable material; or a scaffold material. In some situations, the manifold 122 may also be used to distribute fluids such as medications, anti-bacterials, growth factors, and various solutions to the tissue site 102.

The releasable medical drape 106 is disposed over the manifold 122 and at least a portion of the tissue site to form a sealed space 124. The sealed space 124 contains the manifold 122. A reduced-pressure source 126 is fluidly coupled to the sealed space 124. The reduced-pressure source 126 provides reduced pressure. The reduced-pressure source 126 may be any device for supplying a reduced pressure, such as a vacuum pump, wall suction, a micro-pump, or other source. While the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to a tissue site will typically vary according to the application, the reduced pressure will typically be between −5 mm Hg (−667 Pa) and −500 mm Hg (−66.7 kPa) and more typically between −75 mm Hg (−9.9 kPa) and −300 mm Hg (−39.9 kPa) and more typically still between 75 mm Hg (−9.9 kPa) and −200 mm Hg (−26.66 kPa).

A reduced-pressure interface 128 may be used to fluidly couple a reduced-pressure delivery conduit 130 to the sealed space 124. The reduced pressure developed by the reduced-pressure source 126 is delivered through the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 130 to the reduced-pressure interface 128. In one illustrative embodiment, the reduced-pressure interface 128 is a T.R.A.C.® Pad or Sensa T.R.A.C.® Pad available from KCI of San Antonio, Tex. The reduced-pressure interface 128 allows the reduced pressure to be delivered to the sealed space 124. The reduced-pressure interface 128 may also be a conduit inserted through the releasable medical drape 106. The reduced pressure may also be generated by a device, e.g., a micro-pump, directly coupled to the releasable medical drape 106.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 2 and 3, the releasable medical drape 106 has three primary layers (going from the outer-most layer to the layer contacting the patient): (1) a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132, (2) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138; and (3) a soft-gel layer 144 having a plurality of apertures 146. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 functions as a barrier to liquids and microorganisms. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 provides a means for coupling the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 to the soft-gel layer 144. In addition, in operation, a portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 extends through the plurality of apertures 146 to contact the epidermis 116 and thereby provide a contact coupling 152 between the releasable medical drape 106 and the patient 104. The contact coupling is releasable and yet provides sufficient coupling to adhere to the patient 104 during use.

The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 has a first side 134 and a second, patient-facing side 136. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 allows vapor to egress and inhibits liquids from exiting. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 is a flexible film that is breathable and typically has a high moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR), for example, greater than or equal to about 300 g/m²/24 hours. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 may be formed from a range of medically approved films ranging in thickness typically from about 15 microns (μm) to about 50 microns (μm), for example, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 microns (μm), or any number in the stated range. In alternative embodiments, a low or no vapor transfer drape might be used.

The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 may comprise numerous materials, such as one or more of the following: hydrophilic polyurethane (PU), cellulosics, hydrophilic polyamides, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydrophilic acrylics, hydrophilic silicone elastomers, and copolymers of these. As one specific, illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 may be formed from a breathable cast matt polyurethane film sold by Expopack Advanced Coatings of Wrexham, United Kingdom, under the name INSPIRE 2301. That illustrative film has a MVTR (inverted cup technique) of 14400 g/m²/24 hours and is approximately 30 microns thick.

Adjacent to the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 is the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 has a first side 140 and a second, patient-facing side 142. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 may be any medically-acceptable, pressure-sensitive adhesive. For example, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 may comprise an acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, high-tack silicone adhesive, polyurethane, or other substance. In an illustrative example, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 comprises an acrylic adhesive with coating weight of 15 grams/m² (gsm) to 70 grams/m² (gsm). The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 may be a continuous layer of material or may be a layer with apertures (not shown). The apertures may be formed after application of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 or may be formed by coating the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 in patterns on a carrier layer, e.g., the second, patient-facing side 136 of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132. The apertures may be sized to help control the resultant tackiness when the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 is forced into apertures 146. The apertures may also be sized to enhance the MVTR of the releasable medical drape 106.

The soft-gel layer 144 has a first side 148 and a second, patient-facing side 150. The soft-gel layer 144 is a soft material that provides a good seal with the tissue site 102. The soft-gel layer 144 may comprise a silicone gel (or soft silicone), hydrocolloid, hydrogel, polyurethane gel, polyolefin gel, hydrogenated styrenic copolymer gels, or foamed gels with compositions as listed, or soft closed cell foams (polyurethanes, polyolefins) coated with an adhesive (e.g., 30 gsm-70 gsm acrylic), polyurethane, polyolefin, or hydrogenated styrenic copolymers. The soft-gel layer 144 has a thickness 154 that is typically in the range of about 500 microns (μm) to about 1000 microns (μm). The soft-gel layer 144 in one embodiment has stiffness between about 5 Shore OO and about 80 Shore OO. The soft-gel layer 144 may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic.

The soft-gel layer 144 is formed with the plurality of apertures 146. The apertures 146 may be numerous shapes, for example, circles, squares, stars, ovals, polygons, slits complex curves, rectilinear shapes, triangles, or other shapes. Each aperture 146 of the plurality of apertures 146 has an effective diameter, which is the diameter of a circular area having the same surface area as the aperture 146. The average effective diameter is typically in the range of about 6 mm to about 50 mm. The plurality of apertures 146 may have a uniform pattern or may be randomly distributed on the soft-gel layer 144.

In the assembled state, the first side 140 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 is coupled to the second, patient-facing side 136 of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132. The first side 148 of the soft-gel layer 144 is coupled to the second, patient-facing side 142 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138. The initial tackiness of the second, patient-facing side 150 of the soft-gel layer 144 is enough to initially couple the soft-gel layer 144 to the epidermis 116. Once in the desired location, a force is applied to the first side 134 of the liquid-impermeable-vapor permeable layer 132 of the releasable medical drape 106. For example, the user may rub the first side 134 of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 of the releasable medical drape 106. This action causes at least a portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 to be forced into the plurality of apertures 146 and into contact with the epidermis 116 to form contact couplings 152. The contact couplings 152 provide secure, releasable mechanical fixation to the epidermis 116.

The average effective diameter of the plurality of apertures 146 for the soft-gel layer 144 may be varied as one control of the tackiness or adhesion strength of the releasable medical drape 106. In this regard, there is interplay between three main variables for each embodiment: the thickness 154, the average effective diameter of the plurality of apertures 146, and the tackiness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138. The more pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 that extends through the apertures 146, the stronger the bond of the contact coupling 152. The smaller the thickness 154 of the soft-gel layer 144, the more pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 generally extends through the apertures 146 and the greater the bond of the contact coupling 152. As an example of the interplay, if a very tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 is used and the thickness 154 is small, the average effective diameter of the plurality of apertures 146 may be relatively smaller. In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the thickness 154 may be approximately 200 microns, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 is approximately 30 microns with a tackiness of 2000 g/25 cm wide strip, and the average effective diameter is approximately about 6 mm.

With the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 forming contact couplings 152 via the plurality of apertures 146, vapor may be transmitted through the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132. Without the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 touching the epidermis 116 or other aspects of the tissue site 102, humidity would have to bridge the gap between the tissue site 102 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138.

A plurality of secondary apertures 156 (FIG. 4) may also be formed in the soft-gel layer 144 and pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138. The secondary apertures 156 do not have any portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 extending into them during operation. The secondary apertures 156 may further facilitate vapor transfer through the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132.

A number of release members may be used in manufacturing, transporting, or use of the releasable medical drape 106. Referring now primarily to FIG. 5, a portion of a releasable medical drape 106 is presented. The releasable medical drape 106 is analogous in most respects to the releasable medical drape 106 of FIGS. 1-3, and accordingly, some parts are labeled but not further described here. A first release liner 158 having a first side 160 and a second side 162 covers the second, patient-facing side 150 of the soft-gel layer 144 prior to use. The first release liner 158 may be formed from high density polyethylene or any material that facilitates easy release from the soft-gel layer 144. In addition, a plurality of adhesive-release islands 164 are dispersed on the first side 160 of the first release liner 158 and are registered with the plurality of apertures 146. Thus, if any of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 extends through the apertures 146, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 will contact the plurality of adhesive-release islands 164. When ready to apply the releasable medical drape 106, the user removes the first release liner 158 thereby exposing the second, patient-facing side 150 of the soft-gel layer 144 and potentially the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 that may extend through the apertures 146.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 6, a portion of a releasable medical drape 106 is presented. The releasable medical drape 106 is analogous in most respects to the releasable medical drape 106 of FIGS. 1-3, and accordingly, some parts are labeled but not further described here. The first release liner 158 having the first side 160 and the second side 162 covers the second, patient-facing side 150 of the soft-gel layer 144 prior to use. The first release liner 158 may be formed from high density polyethylene or any material that facilitates easy release from the soft-gel layer 144. The first release liner 158 in this embodiment includes a plurality of apertures 166. The plurality of apertures 166 align, or register, with the plurality of apertures 146 in the soft-gel layer 144. In an illustrative embodiment, the plurality of apertures 166 and the plurality of apertures 146 in the soft-gel layer 144 are made at the same time. A second release liner 168 has a first side 170 and a second side 172. The first side 170 is applied to the second side 162 of the first release liner 158 so that the plurality of apertures 166 is covered by the second release liner 168. The second release liner 168 is formed from an adhesive-release material, e.g., polyolefin (polyethylene, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer), polyester, polyamide, cellulosic (cellulose esters), and paper, optionally coated with a suitable release coating (silicone, fluoro copolymer [for example fluorosilicone], polyolefin wax.

In another illustrative embodiment, the soft-gel layer 144 is sufficiently thick and the first release liner 158 is sufficiently stiff that the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 will not extend through the apertures 146. In this embodiment, only the first release liner 158 is used.

There are a number of ways that the releasable medical drape 106 may be manufactured. With reference to FIG. 6, according to one illustrative embodiment, the soft-gel layer 144 is cast onto the first side 160 of the first release liner 158. The plurality of apertures 146 and the plurality of apertures 166 are formed through the soft-gel layer 144 and first release liner 158 respectively. The apertures 146, 166 may be formed using shaped pins that puncture the materials as the materials move along a manufacturing path or by rolling a drum with shaped pins along the materials. The shaped pins are configured to make the desired shape and size of the apertures 146, 166. The second release liner 168 may then be applied to the second side 162 of the first release liner 158 to contact portions of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 extending through the apertures 146, 166. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 is applied to the first side 140 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138. In one embodiment, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 is presented as a transfer adhesive and brought into contact with the first side 140 of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 138 with laminating rollers. The releasable medical drape 106 is then fully assembled and is sterilized and packaged. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132 may also be coated with pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 which is either dissolved in a solvent or dispersed in a continuous phase, which may be water, and the wet coating is dried.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1-3, in operation according to one illustrative embodiment of the releasable medical drape 106 in the context of the system 100, the manifold 122 is disposed proximate to the tissue site 102. The releasable medical drape 106 is then applied over the manifold 122 and the tissue site 102 to form the sealed space 124. In applying, the releasable medical drape 106, any release liners (for example, the first release liner 158 or the second release liner 168) are removed and the second, patient-facing side 138 of the soft-gel layer 144 is applied to the intact skin 112 and over the manifold 122. The tackiness of the soft-gel layer 144 will hold the releasable medical drape 106 initially in position. The tackiness is such that if an adjustment is desired, the releasable medical drape 106 at this point may be removed and reapplied. Once the desired position is obtained for the releasable medical drape 106, the user uses hand pressure on the first side 134 of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132. The hand pressure causes at least some portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 to extend through the plurality of apertures 146 and into contact with the epidermis 116 to form the contact coupling 152. Each contact coupling 152 is a firm—although releasable—attachment.

In another illustrative embodiment, the releasable medical drape 106 may include apertures and other means for allowing a release agent to contact the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138. The release agent diminishes the tackiness or adhesive strength of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 to thereby ease removal from the tissue site 102.

In another alternative embodiment, the soft-gel layer 144 is not a solid soft-gel layer, but a hydrophobic-coated material. For example, the soft-gel layer 144 may be formed by coating a spaced material (for example, woven, nonwoven, molded or extruded mesh) with a hydrophobic material (for example, a soft silicone). The hydrophobic-coated material is then laminated to the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 132, for example, a polyurethane film. With this approach, apertures do not have to be formed as the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 138 may extend through the opening in the spaced material. See FIGS. 7-10 as described below.

A prominent use of the releasable medical drapes 106 described herein is to create the sealed space 124 for reduced pressure therapy. Yet, the drape 106 may be used for other purposes. For example, the drape 106 may be used to releasably attach a strapless brazier to a person, to adhere a bandage to a patient, or any other purpose for which a releasable attachment to a person or animal is desired.

According to one illustrative embodiment, a releasable medical drape includes at least a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a soft-gel layer having a plurality of apertures. The soft-gel layer is disposed next to the patient's skin. A portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extends through the plurality of apertures to contact the patient's skin. The soft-gel layer forms a good seal with the skin and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extending through the plurality of apertures forms a firm—but releasable—coupling with the patient's skin.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 7-8, an illustrative embodiment of a releasable medical drape 206 is presented. The releasable medical drape 206 is analogous in many respects to the releasable medical drape 106 of FIGS. 1-6, and accordingly, some parts are labeled but not further described here.

The releasable medical drape 206 includes a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 232 having a first side 234 and a second, patient-facing side 236. The releasable medical drape 206 has a first mesh layer 276 having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The first mesh layer 276 comprises a first plurality of strands 277 that are interlocked. The first side of the first mesh layer 276 is coupled to the second, patient-facing side 236 of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 232. In this regard, the first side of the first mesh layer 276 may be laminated on to the second, patient-facing side 236 of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 232. Other coupling techniques may be used. At least the second, patient-facing side of the first mesh layer 276 is substantially coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

The releasable medical drape 206 further includes a second mesh layer 282 having a first side and a second, patient-facing side. The second mesh layer 282 comprises a second plurality of strands 283 that are interlocked. The first side of the second mesh layer 282 is coupled to the second, patient-facing side of the first mesh layer 276 or to the second, patient-facing side 236 of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 232. The coupling of the second mesh layer 282 may be lamination or another coupling technique. At least the second, patient-facing side of the second mesh layer 282 is substantially coated with a soft-gel. As shown best in FIG. 8, the first mesh layer 276 and second mesh layer 282 are mis-registered so the plurality of strands 277, 283 have substantial portions that do not overlap. The pressure-sensitive adhesive of the first mesh layer 276 is configured to extend at least partially through void portions of the second mesh layer 282 when hand pressure is applied to the first side 234 of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 232.

Referring primarily now to FIGS. 9-10, another illustrative embodiment of a releasable medical drape 306 is presented. The releasable medical drape 306 is analogous in many respects to the releasable medical drape 206 of FIGS. 7-8, and accordingly, some parts are labeled but not further described here. The primary difference between the releasable medical drape 306 and the releasable medical drape 206 is that the strands 377 and 383 may not form mesh layers, but may only be individual strands, i.e., not interlocked. For example, as shown in the figures, the first plurality of strands 377 may form a mesh layer, such as the first mesh layer 376 and the second plurality of strands 383 may form a loose layer, such as the second layer 382. Alternatively, the second plurality of strands 383 may form a mesh layer, but the first plurality of strands 377 may not. Alternatively, the first plurality of strands 377 and the second plurality of strands 383 may both form loose layers.

In one embodiment, the first plurality of strands 377 are substantially coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The first plurality of strands 377 are coupled to the second, patient-facing side 336 of a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 332. The second plurality of strands 383 is substantially coated with a soft-gel layer. The second plurality of strands 383 may be parallel to some of the first plurality of strands 377 or may take various patterns or be randomly placed. The second plurality of strands 383 is coupled at least in part to liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 332. The pressure-sensitive adhesive of the first plurality of strands 377 is configured to extend at least partially beyond the second plurality of strands 383 to contact the patient when hand pressure is applied to a first side 334 of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer 332.

With both the releasable medical drapes 206 and 306, apertures need not be formed since gaps or void spaces will exist between the plurality of strands 277, 283, 377, 383. These approaches expose more of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layers directly to moisture and may thereby enhance vapor transmission. It should also be noted that in these embodiments, the order has been shown as liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer, first plurality of stands, and then the second plurality of strands, but the first and second plurality of strands may be reversed in order.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is described in connection with any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. It will further be understood that reference to “an” item refers to one or more of those items.

The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate.

Where appropriate, aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and addressing the same or different problems.

It will be understood that the above description of preferred embodiments is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although various embodiments of the invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. 

We claim:
 1. A system for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure, the system comprising: a manifold adapted to be disposed proximate to the tissue site for distributing reduced pressure; a releasable medical drape adapted to be disposed over the manifold and adapted to form a sealed space that contains the manifold; a reduced-pressure source adapted to be fluidly coupled to the manifold; and wherein the releasable medical drape comprises: a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer having a first side and a second side; a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is coupled to the second side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer; a soft-gel layer having a plurality of apertures, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first side of the soft-gel layer is coupled to the second side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; and wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is configured to extend at least partially through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer in response to force applied to the first side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the soft-gel layer comprises silicone.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the soft-gel layer comprises at least one of the following: silicone, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, polyurethane gel, and polyolefin gel.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises an acrylic adhesive.
 5. The system of claim 1, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises at least one of the following: an acrylic adhesive and a tacky silicone adhesive.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer comprises a polyurethane film having a moisture vapor transfer rate greater than or equal to about 300 g/m²/24 hrs.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer comprises a polyurethane film having a thickness in a range of about 15 microns to about 50 microns.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the apertures comprises one or more of the following shapes: circles, squares, stars, slits, ovals, polygons, complex curves, rectilinear shapes, and triangles.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures has an average effective diameter in a range of about 6 mm to about 50 mm.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the soft-gel layer comprises silicone having a thickness in a range of about 500 to about 1000 microns.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the soft-gel layer comprises silicone having a hardness in a range of about 5 Shore OO and about 80 Shore OO.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a coating weight between about 15 grams/m² and about 70 grams/m².
 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first release liner having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the first release liner is proximate to the second side of the soft-gel layer.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises a patterned layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the second side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer.
 15. A releasable medical drape for providing a seal over a tissue site, the releasable medical drape comprising: a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer having a first side and a second side; a first plurality of strands substantially coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and wherein the first plurality of strands are coupled to the second side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer; a second plurality of strands substantially coated with a soft-gel and wherein the second plurality of strands is coupled at least in part to liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer; and wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the first plurality of strands is configured to extend at least partially beyond the second plurality of strands when a force is applied to the first side of the liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer.
 16. The releasable medical drape of claim 15, wherein the first plurality of strands forms a mesh layer.
 17. The releasable medical drape of claim 15, wherein the second plurality of strands forms a mesh layer. 